The host of the Emmy-winning "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central recently used his show to champion a federal bill that provided billions to treat workers who became ill from exposure to toxic World Trade Center dust. Along with Fox News anchor Shepard Smith, Stewart was widely credited with nationalizing the issue.

Foundation president Joe Daniels says Stewart is an important public figure and a regular New Yorker who saw the world change on 9/11.

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The memorial — twin reflecting pools set above the fallen towers' footprints — is set to open to the public by this Sept. 11.